DRIFTING IN DARKNESS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 112, 8 April 1930, Page 8

DRIFTING IN DARKNESS

DISABLED FISHING LAUNCH. ANCHOR DRAGGED FIVE MILES. GISBORNE, April 5. Adrift at sea all night in a small fishing launch, the Cosmo, without any definite knowledge of their whereabouts, was the unpleasant experience of three Gisborne men. Starting on Thursday morning on their usual occupation, line fishing, Messrs S. Zame, .the owner, and two others made a fairly successful haul off the Mahia .Peninsula, and shortly after 4 p.mthey commenced the return trip, but the launch had gone half a mile when the tail-shaft snapped. An attempt to effect temporary repairs was unsuccessful, and a small 6ail was rigged, but this was almost useless, as there was hardly any wind. When the mishap occurred the launch was about 18 mile 3 from Gisborne, and in view of the rapid approach of darkness the crew gave up hope of attracting attention. An anchor was dropped and the three men made preparations for- a dreary wait till dawn. Wondering if the craft was drifting towards the shore, or further out to sea, the men spent an anxious night, for sleep was out of the question. A moderate swell came up during the night, causing the launch to drag its anchor about five miles in a south-westerly direction. The sail was rigged again at daybreak, and with U favourable wind the boat limped towards Gisborne. Some anxiety was felt in Gisborne when the launch failed to return, and the fishing launches Waimumu and lona were dispatched to search for the Cosmo. The Harbour Board’s launch went out before the others, and located the Cosmo a few miles off Mahia. It was towed to port without further mishap.